They also are seeing the trainer more often. Since training camp opened, nine goaltenders have been hurt, most with groin muscle injuries. The Atlanta Thrashers and Phoenix Coyotes already have had to rely on a third-string goalie.

The New York Islanders' Rick DiPietro was the latest, leaving Thursday's game after a collision with the Washington Capitals' Jeff Halpern as both went for a loose puck. He's day-to-day with a concussion but could be OK to start next week.

A look around the NHL:

No. 3 now No. 1

The Thrashers planned to count on a rookie. But that was Kari Lehtonen, not Michael Garnett. He is temporarily No. 1 after injuries to Mike Dunham (Wednesday night) and Lehtonen (opening night).

Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said Dunham is out seven to 10 days. If he is out longer, Waddell probably will have to look at free agents. Felix Potvin and Steve Shields are available.

"Right now we just want to get through next weekend and see where we are at," Waddell said.

The Thrashers have had bad luck in goal. Before the season, former No. 1 Pasi Nurminen suffered a career-ending knee injury.

Rule changes blamed

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur looks at the rash of injuries. Then he adds observations culled from his first three games and thinks goalies are more at risk.

"We're a lot more exposed right now than we've ever been," Brodeur said. "Equipment-wise, quality of chances, the shootout."

Brodeur faced a ton of shots in New Jersey's first three games. But he said he is more concerned about the number of power plays he has had to help kill.

Plus, the stricter standards on hooking and holding are making defensemen gun-shy. Forwards are coming in full throttle at the crease.

"(The officials) just have to call the game the way it's meant to be (called)," Brodeur said.

Eleven penalties for interference with the goalie have been called this season. Two New York Rangers players were penalized for actions against Brodeur on Thursday.

Defenders are learning they need new ways to protect goalies.

Said Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski: "Position is important ... making sure you don't let someone get behind you."

Ice blamed, too

Coyotes goaltender Curtis Joseph thinks the soft ice at Glendale Arena has contributed, at least in part, to the numerous groin muscle injuries among Coyotes players. Joseph and goalie Brian Boucher were hurt playing at the arena.

"I'm no ice expert, but it's an awful coincidence that it's so hard to push around in there," Joseph said.

Coach Wayne Gretzky said it's harder to maintain ice quality in warmer cities. He said Phoenix is considering using a water treatment machine that would be installed on the Zambonis.

"They're using it in Dallas, and they say it's helping their ice," he said. "Although, quite honestly, I didn't think their ice was much better than our ice has been."